Day 5 (2023)

Hola to the people of St. John’s from Ainsley Yarbrough and Kate Rayboun!

Our team had an early start to another amazing day. After waking up at 7 AM, we packed up by 7:45 AM and began the trek to Otavalo. This city in northern Ecuador is where the Quichua people are from. The city is currently home to the most indigenous people in the country, which has given rise to the largest indigenous craft market in South America. After a two-hour bus ride and a long walk up a steep hill, we made it to the camp, where the first group of children from Carmen Bajo had already arrived. We gathered to welcome them in grand fashion!

After many games and ice breakers, half of the team went on a hike with the kids, while the other half helped set up the camp. A group of our guys also spent much of their day making cement the old-fashioned way to build a safe walkway on the camp grounds.

After we enjoyed chicken and rice for lunch, a very classic Ecuadorian meal, the team joined forces for some fun and games. It was a wonderful time building relationships and bonding with the kids through games and conversation. Then we headed to worship time, where we danced, sang, and celebrated God’s love. 

Next on the agenda was a butterfly (mariposa in Spanish!) craft, which all of the kids enjoyed. 

To close out our day, we helped make dinner for the kids which was hot dogs and s’mores by the bonfire.

Through our day today we have learned a lot about the importance of patience and treating your neighbor as yourself. We look forward to what tomorrow has for our team, and we feel so blessed by God to have this amazing opportunity. 

- Written by Ainsley and Kate